Top 10 4×4 & Roadside Recovery Safety Tips

October — 4×4 & Roadside Recovery

Overland season, and the month people find out what their rig actually carries.

1. Don't wheel alone in remote terrain. A second vehicle is the best recovery tool there is.
2. Use rated recovery points and rated gear. Never attach a strap or winch line to a ball hitch — it can shear off and travel like a projectile.
3. Put a damper over every line under load, and keep everyone well clear and out of the danger zone.
4. Air down for traction, and carry a compressor and plug kit to air back up.
5. Carry a full-size spare, a jack, and a board to jack from on sand or mud.
6. Walk the obstacle first. Ten seconds of scouting saves a $3,000 body panel.
7. Carry communications that don't need towers — a satellite communicator or a radio.
8. If you're stuck and stranded, stay with the vehicle. It's shelter, it's visible from the air, and it holds your supplies.
9. Pack extra water, food, fuel, and warm layers for one night longer than you planned.
10. Stay on designated trails. Tread Lightly keeps access open for everyone behind you.

See also: Roadside & Off-Road Recovery.

Want this broken into weekly topics? See the October Weekly Content Calendar.

Not into 4×4 & roadside recovery? Try fall-foliage scenic drives & photography instead — same "get in the vehicle" instinct, none of the recovery-gear investment.

Part of the Rec+Safe Theme of the Month calendar.